Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Director Zhuang is very happy to welcome a new member to 91 Company.

At the end of October,

The Daily News published a report criticizing the crew of "The Promise" for causing ecological damage during filming in Shangri-La, and for causing damage that is almost irreparable.

In contrast to Kai Zi Ge, the Daily News also praised 91 Company, saying that when filming The Return of the Condor Heroes, in addition to the necessary filming expenses, it also helped with the renovation of scenic spots such as Jiuzhaigou and Yandang Mountain, and called on major film and television companies to learn from 91.

The official reprimand prompted Kai Zi to apologize immediately, which also drew the attention of the entire film and television industry. Hengdian Group took the lead in stating through the media that it would definitely restrain its film crews in the future and try its best not to damage the local ecological environment.

For a time, green filming became the official theme of the year.

Kai stayed at home for three days before going out.

In recent entertainment news, Zhang Yimou, an old rival, has been nominated for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival and has been officially announced as the chief director of the Olympic Games opening ceremony. He is simply in the limelight.

On the other hand, he gets criticized by name even when filming a movie; how miserable he is.

Brother Kai stood hand in hand with his wife on their balcony, gazing at the Yongding River not far away, his voice filled with sighs.

"Hong, my whole life has been like walking on thin ice. Do you think I can ever reach the other side?"

Chen Hong asked, somewhat puzzled, "Brother Kai, can't we just cross the bridge?"

"well…"

Hearing this answer, Kai felt even more miserable; even his young wife didn't understand his feelings.

Meanwhile, the crew of "The Banquet" was filming in Inner Mongolia.

Wang Zhonglei personally directed the crew to organize the equipment.

"This is the last scene. After filming wraps up, everyone must clean up all the trash. Anyone who doesn't do it properly can pack their things and get out."

Inside the studio, Feng Kuzi stared intently at Ge Daye and Li Bingbing on the monitor. After a short clip, he lit a cigarette with a complicated expression and walked over to Wang Zhonglei.

"Mr. Wang, filming can't wrap up yet."

"What's wrong?" Wang Zhonglei asked, puzzled. "Wasn't it all filmed?"

"The filming is finished, but the results aren't very good."

Feng Kuzi said helplessly in a low voice, "The role of the Empress was originally intended for Zhang Ziyi, but now it has been changed to Li Bingbing. However, her performance... well... is far inferior to Zhang Ziyi's by the same margin as Xu Cainu. She is simply too weak."

"Then let's refine it a few more times."

Wang Zhonglei had a toothache. Li Bingbing was personally chosen by his brother, and he had no right to interfere in such a leading role.

"Xiao Gang, you know how important this film is. The company invested 8000 million yuan in it. We don't care how you make it, but we need to see results. Moreover, this film is our first big-budget production in collaboration with the Hong Kong film industry. This is related to the company's future development, so you have to put your heart into it."

Wang Zhonglei patted his chest and assured him, "Go ahead and film it. As long as you don't deliberately make things difficult, I'll handle the rest."

"Zhonglei, I've been waiting for you to say that!"

Feng Kuzi is a shrewd man; how could he not know about Li Bingbing's relationship with the King? The key point is that this woman has more than just the King behind her.

In the rest area, Li Bingbing and Zhou Xun chatted together, with Xiao Ming occasionally chiming in, creating a harmonious and pleasant scene.

After the two most troublesome members of the "Four Dan Actresses" were banned, the newly promoted Bing and Shuang have been relatively well-behaved for the time being. Li Bingbing and Zhou Xun have not had any direct conflicts yet, and the two seem to get along quite amicably.

"Wow, the number of people who can hear has surpassed 100 million!" Xiao Ming exclaimed as he looked at the latest issue of "Beijing Youth Magazine".

Let me see!

Li Bingbing snatched the magazine and started reading it with Zhou Xun. "It's true, Director Zhuang is amazing. He managed to get an art film into the 100 million club."

Zhou Xun nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, but I think Liu Yifei's performance was also very good. That stubborn yet resilient quality is simply perfect for the role."

"This favorable wind is good," Xiao Ming said with emotion. "It was created by the Three Gold Medals Grand Slam. If we can even go to the Three Gold Medals and come back, we're considered to have leveled up, let alone winning an award."

"Hey, Xiaoming," Li Bingbing teased, "aren't you Director Zhuang's senior? Why didn't you think about asking for a role?"

"I'd like to," Xiao Ming shook his head, "but Director Zhuang's standards for casting are well-known in the industry. He either hires veteran actors or hires them internally. I can't bring myself to ask."

"91 Company..." A hint of longing flashed in Zhou Xun's eyes. "It's a pity that I still have two years left on my contract, otherwise I would have really recommended myself and asked them if they wanted me."

Li Bingbing and Xiaoming exchanged a glance. Unlike Zhou Xun, the Huayi Brothers were already highly sought-after by aspiring actors in the industry.

Xiao Ming asked curiously, "Xun-ge, you're not planning to stay in Rongxingda anymore?"

"There's no need for that anymore. Sister Xiaowan plans to promote her son. I basically find all my own resources now, and I also pay the salaries of my team."

Zhou Xun said sarcastically, "Besides, they even take back the cars that the endorsement company rewards the artists with. Staying in a company like that will only make you suffer."

"It's really true? The company really took your Audi back?"

"Of course, they took the car keys as soon as I stepped off the stage."

"That's pretty excessive..."

Li Bingbing shook his head. Although Hua Yi also had problems, at least the two brothers, Da Wang and Xiao Wang, were generous. They wouldn't sting like that.

"By the way, Xun-ge, didn't Rong Xingda organize a talent show for people to star in 'Dream of the Red Chamber'? I heard that those selected will directly act in the show. Is that true?"

"Let's create some hype, whether it's true or not. It's fate that we ended up in the same production team. I really like the two of you. But I have a piece of advice: don't discuss this outside..."

Zhou Xun pointed to the sky with a knowing look, her expression profound, "This matter cannot be discussed..."

The two men were startled and immediately shut their mouths, not daring to say another word.

After a moment of silence, Brother Xiaoming handed over two cigarettes, changing the subject.

Do you think Zhang Yimou can win the Palme d'Or at Cannes this time?

"Sure," Zhou Xun laughed. "After all, Director Zhuang is the chairman of the jury, so he'll definitely help his own people."

"I think it's a bit difficult."

Li Bingbing analyzed rationally, "There aren't many directors in the entire world film industry who can achieve a grand slam, and Director Zhuang just completed his. How could those foreigners possibly give another Chinese director a grand slam? Wouldn't that be a slap in their own face?"

"That's true," Xiao Ming nodded. "Whether Zhang Yimou takes it or not, it won't affect his status."

"So, who do you think is the number one Chinese director, Zhang Yimou or Director Zhuang?" Zhou Xun asked with a hint of gossip.

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Ming said, "If we're just looking at awards, I think Director Zhuang has won all the major awards, including the three major film festivals, the three Chinese film festivals, and an Oscar."

"Even looking at the box office, it's Director Zhuang," Li Bingbing chimed in. "Just one film, Parasite, grossed four or five years' worth of the total mainland box office. Who can beat that?"

"Indeed, the so-called five great directors in mainland China are actually just a contest between Director Zhuang and Zhang Yimou. Director Kai is half a step behind, Director Jiang is a step behind, not to mention Director Feng."

The three agreed on this statement, but none of them noticed that behind the RV in the rest area,

Feng Kuzi, who came to call them for a reshoot, had a gloomy expression on his face, and his teeth were practically grinding to powder.